Charlotte Street vending shut down, vendors moved to Central Market

Vending on Charlotte Street has been shut down due to concerns about the possible spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

The Port of Spain City Corporation shared a notice via social media on Thursday saying that effective from Saturday, March 28, 2020, at 8 pm, there would be no sale of produce, clothing or haberdashery items on Charlotte Street, until further notice.

Martinez told Loop News that the vendors are being given space at the Port of Spain Central Market where he says regular sanitisation is being done as well as spacing is being done to ensure health and safety measures are adhered to.

He said the measure was taken following advice from public health officials at a Council Meeting on Wednesday.

“Public health has made a recommendation to the Council at the statutory meeting yesterday (Wednesday) to suspend operations at Charlotte Street due to the coronavirus."

Martinez said health officials found that protocols were not being followed regarding spacing and sanitisation.

However, he said preparations are being made at the Central Market for the vendors.

The Central Market now has expanded its opening hours to every day from 11.00 pm to 5pm the following day, with the exception of Sundays where the market closes at 1.00 pm.

He said the market would be sanitised between the hours of 5pm and 11.00 pm every night and facilities such as bathrooms are also being repaired.

NAMDEVCO has also announced enhanced sanitisation and procedures to ensure the health and safety of customers to prevent any possible spread of COVID-19.

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